One Week in Taipei, Taiwan (Part 2): Meteor Garden Filming Locations, Zhongshe Flower Market & Taipei Highlights
- Gelie Esportuno-Haferbecker
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Taipei offers a rich mix of culture, history, and vibrant street life that keeps visitors coming back. After this trip, we completely understand why!
In Part 2 of our Taiwan adventure, we explored some of the most iconic and nostalgic spots. From dreamy flower fields to famous filming locations and vibrant night markets, if you grew up watching Meteor Garden, this tour will feel like stepping straight into your favorite scenes.
This post continues the journey through Taipei, focusing on iconic filming locations, colorful flower markets, historic landmarks, and the lively night markets that define the city’s charm. Whether you are a fan of Taiwanese dramas or a foodie eager to try handmade noodles, Taipei has something special waiting for you.
Discovering Taipei: A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine
Zhongshe Flower Market (Taichung)
Our day started bright and early at Taipei Main Station, where we met our tour group at 8:30 AM. With just eight people in total, the experience already felt more personal and relaxed.
As we hit the road, our tour guide, Mr. Peter, who was also our driver, set the mood perfectly by playing Meteor Garden theme songs and F4 classics. Safe to say, the nostalgia kicked in instantly!
After about three hours, we arrived at Zhongshe Flower Market, our first stop of the day. Even though we visited just before winter, meaning fewer blooms, the place still had a calm, romantic atmosphere with plenty of photogenic corners.
🌸 Things to Know Before Visiting Zhongshe Flower Market
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer (around March to May) are ideal if you want to see the flower fields in full bloom. Different flowers bloom throughout the year, but peak seasons offer the most vibrant scenery.
Entrance Fee: There’s a small entrance fee, sometimes included in tour packages like ours for added convenience.
Photo Spots Everywhere: The market is designed with photography in mind. Expect themed gardens, props like pianos, windmills, and mini houses, perfect for Instagram-worthy shots.
Weather Matters: Since it’s an open garden, your experience depends heavily on the weather. A sunny day makes colors pop, while rainy days can limit exploration.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The area is quite large, and you’ll be walking on soil paths and grassy fields.
Food & Amenities: There are small cafés and food stalls inside, so you can grab snacks or drinks while exploring.
Time Allocation: Tours usually give you about 1–1.5 hours here, which is enough for photos and a quick stroll. But if you love photography, you might wish you had more time!
Despite the limited blooms during our visit, it was still a relaxing and scenic stop and definitely a must-see during peak season.
Meteor Garden Filming Location: National Chung Cheng University
After a quick lunch stop, we headed to the highlight of the tour: National Chung Cheng University, known in Meteor Garden as the fictional Ying De University.
Before entering, our guide reminded us to stay quiet since classes were ongoing; it is, after all, a real university.
Walking through the campus felt surreal. Recognizing filming locations from the series made it all the more special. Our guide also helped us take photos, and at one point, it honestly felt like we were doing a pre-wedding shoot!
We’ll be sharing those moments in our YouTube video, so keep an eye out for that 🎥
🎟️ Booking the Tour
We booked our Meteor Garden Filming Locations Full-Day Tour via Klook, operated by My Pro Guide: https://klook.tpk.lu/aH5g4gzo.
The process was simple. You can choose your preferred date and review the itinerary in advance. After booking, you’ll receive confirmation details, including the exact meeting point at Taipei Main Station.
Fun fact: Meteor Garden was inspired by the Japanese series Hana Yori Dango and became hugely popular across Asia, especially in the Philippines where it first aired in 2002. It played a big role in bringing Taiwanese dramas to international audiences.
A Cultural Stop: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The following day, we visited Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks. The grand structure, wide plazas, and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn more about Taiwan’s history and culture.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Park offers a peaceful retreat with historical significance. The park surrounds the grand Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a landmark dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader. The architecture is impressive, featuring a blue-tiled roof and white walls symbolizing freedom and democracy.
Visitors can explore the large plaza, watch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony, and enjoy the gardens and ponds around the memorial. The park also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, making it a cultural hub in the city.
Visitors can:
Watch the hourly changing of the guard
Walk through expansive plazas and peaceful gardens
Visit nearby landmarks like the National Theater and Concert Hall
Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds
Admission: Free
It’s a great place to slow down and appreciate Taiwan’s history and architecture.
Savoring Handmade Noodles in Taipei
Taipei’s food scene is truly on another level, and if there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave without trying, it’s a comforting bowl of handmade noodles. There’s something special about noodles made fresh by hand. They are perfectly chewy, springy, and able to soak up every bit of rich, flavorful broth.
One spot that truly stood out during our trip was Lao Shan Dong Handmade Noodles, and it’s not just us saying that. This humble eatery has been recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award, which highlights restaurants offering exceptionally good food at great value.
From the very first bite, you can taste why it earned that recognition. The noodles have that perfect handmade texture, while the broth, slow-cooked with beef bones and a blend of Chinese herbs, delivers deep, comforting flavors that linger long after the meal.
It’s the kind of place where simplicity shines. No frills, just really good food done right. Honestly, it ended up being one of the most memorable (and most satisfying) meals of our entire Taipei trip.
Exploring Shilin Night Market
No Taipei trip is complete without visiting a night market. Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous night market in the city.
This place is a feast for the senses. Bright lights, sizzling street food, and endless rows of shops.
Must-try Foods:
Oyster omelet
Stinky tofu
Grilled squid
Details:
Hours: Around 5 PM to midnight
Location: Jihe Road, Shilin District
Beyond food, you’ll also find clothes, accessories, and quirky souvenirs.
Night Markets Beyond Shilin
While Shilin is the most famous, don’t stop there. Taipei has several night markets worth exploring:
Raohe Street Night Market – Known for its traditional vibe and famous pepper pork buns
Ningxia Night Market – Smaller but loved for seafood and dessert stalls
Each night market offers a slightly different experience, so visiting more than one is definitely worth it.
💡 Tips for Visiting Night Markets
Bring cash—many stalls don’t accept cards
Come hungry so you can try more dishes
Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds
Don’t be afraid to explore—some of the best food is in the smallest stalls
Final Thoughts
This part of our Taipei journey perfectly balanced nostalgia, culture, and food. From the Meteor Garden nostalgic moments to wandering through flower fields and tasting local flavors, every stop offered something memorable.
As I reflect on our adventures, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences and the connections we made along the way. If you’re looking for a place that beautifully blends history, culture, and culinary delights, Taipei should be at the top of your list!
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